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Home , 2 Kings 1, 2 Kings 10, 2 Kings 13, 2 Kings 14, 2 Kings 16, 2 Kings 17

NOVEMBER 2010

The LORD will do what he has promised.

2 Kings 20:9

Book of 2 Kings INSIDE: Your personal copy of . . .

A Ministry of Moody Institute

Through the Bible with Today in the Word

Take a journey from Genesis to Revelation, with a special four-volume box set, Through the Bible with Today in the Word—a compilation of two decades’ worth of study, insight, and prayer. In these volumes, you will find daily readings to help you grow in your knowledge of Scripture and apply God’s Word to your life.

This series is packaged in a beautiful collector’s box and is perfect for display in your personal library. Volume One features studies of the first half of the , from Genesis to Esther.

Volume Two covers the second half of the Old Testament, from Job to Malachi.

Volume Three focuses on the first half of the , from Matthew to Ephesians.

Volume Four covers the second half of the New Testament, from Philippians to Revelation.

We’d love for you to have the entire set in your personal library. You can also request individual books. These volumes make great gifts and are available as our thank you for your support of Today in the Word. To order, fill out and mail the tear-out card in the middle of this issue or visit www.todayintheword.com. TODAY WITH PAUL NYQUIST President of Moody Bible Institute Set Apart for the King of Kings

The book of 2 Kings made them godly men and godly leaders— chronicles more than three qualities that you and I would be wise two centuries of lead- to emulate as we seek to honor the Lord and ers who ruled over influence others for Christ in our world and Judah. Of today. First, both and knew the 28 kings record- and followed God’s Word. Hezekiah was a ed, very few are de- man who “held fast to the Lord and did not scribed as good. Very cease to follow him” (:6). And few chose to follow the Lord. The numerous Josiah “did what was right in the eyes of the kings who did evil in the eyes of the Lord Lord” (:2). Complete obedience had a profound negative spiritual effect on to the Lord became a way of life for these the people of Israel, and we see first-hand kings—and for their people, too. the devastating impact wicked leaders can have on their followers. During the reigns Second, Hezekiah and Josiah were men of of these kings, idolatry flourished, the Lord’s prayer. When the king of sent a let- temple was desecrated, and God’s Word ter requesting Hezekiah’s surrender, he im- was forgotten. mediately went to the temple of the Lord to pray (:15–19). Similarly, when the The book of 2 Kings ends with the people Book of the Law was found during Josiah’s of Judah being taken into captivity—the reign, the king and his advisors immediately consequence of their continual disobedi- sought the Lord through the prophetess Hul- ence and unfaithfulness to God. This very dah (2 Kings 22:13–14). consequence was communicated to the Is- raelites many years earlier as a warning. Lastly, these leaders had an immovable faith told them that the Lord would punish in the Lord. Because of Hezekiah’s faith in them if they did not carefully follow all the God’s power, he had the courage to rebel words of the law and revere the Lord their against Assyria, a nation that had long con- God (Deut. 28:58). However, the Israelites trolled Judah (2 Kings 18:7). And Josiah’s failed to heed that warming. In the midst faith was so great that after hearing the of this long string of dark spiritual days, a Word of the Lord, he cleared out the Lord’s small number of kings did what was right in temple and demolished the people’s pagan the eyes of the Lord. Of those kings, I most shrines. Josiah’s faith gave him the courage admire Hezekiah and Josiah, their staunch to overthrow the evil spiritual practices of commitment to following the Lord, and their his people. willingness to unashamedly challenge evil in their nation. Like Hezekiah and Josiah, may our commit- ment to God’s Word, our fervent prayers, Friends, I believe there are three overarch- and our firm faith in the Lord set us apart ing qualities in Hezekiah and Josiah that and make us powerful influencers for Him.

2 • Today in the Word THEOLOGY MATTERS by John Koessler God of the Nations

The Old Testament books of 1 and 2 Kings God’s people justified their demand by complement 1 and 2 Samuel, which re- pointing to the moral bankruptcy of Sam- count the rise of Israel’s first two kings, Saul uel’s sons (1 Sam. 8:5). They were correct and . The describe in their assessment but not in their conclu- how David’s realm split into two and then sions. Samuel’s sons were indeed unfit to eventually fell. They are theological com- lead the nation, but that did not mean that mentaries as much as they are history. God’s people were leaderless. God was They trace the failure of these kingdoms to already their king and would continue to a rejection of theocracy. These kingdoms lead them. When the Lord directed Samuel fell because God’s people and their rulers to grant the people’s request he warned rejected God as king. that it would be a mixed blessing. Those who begged for a king would eventually God Himself predicted this. When the Lord “cry out for relief” from the king they had gave instructions for the kingdom in the chosen (1 Sam. 8:18). Law of Moses, he noted that Israel’s long- ing for a king would spring from a desire The mixed history of Israel’s kings teach- to be like the nations around them (Deut. es us to temper our expectations when it 17:14). Centuries later, when Israel de- comes to earthly rulers. They are God’s gift manded that Samuel appoint a monarch to society and deserve our respect (Rom. to lead them, the Lord told the prophet to 13:1–7). But like Israel’s kings, even the grant the request but condemned the peo- best of them are flawed. At the same time, ple’s motive: “Listen to all that the people the biblical record of the failure of Israel’s are saying to you; it is not you they have rulers also testifies to the power of God’s rejected, but they have rejected me as their dominion. Israel’s rejection of God as their king. As they have done from the day I king did not exempt them from His rule. brought them up out of Egypt until this God worked through their disobedient re- day, forsaking me and serving other gods, quest to establish a throne for Jesus Christ, so they are doing to you” (1 Sam. 8:7–8). His one and only Son. As Israel’s Messiah, Old Testament scholar J. Barton Payne Jesus is destined to take His place on the explains, “The rise of the kingdom was seat of David. On that day He will rule not a development that was according to only as king over Israel but as king of the God’s ultimate plan; but the people’s nations (Rev. 5:12; 19:15; cf. Ps. 22:28). motivation in seeking the king made their actual request sinful.”

For Further Reading

To learn more about Israel’s kings, read First and Second Kings by J. Vernon McGee (Thomas Nelson).

www.todayintheword.com • 3 FROM THE EDITORS by John Koessler Why Theology Matters to Me

I have been thinking about theology most from the “practical” disciplines. Theology of my life. For as long as I can remember, majors aspire to be professors rather than I have been asking questions about God. pastors and are more interested in writing Raised with morals but without religion, than in preaching. Yet my pastoral experi- my early impressions on this subject were ence taught me that most church members based mostly on assumptions and person- get their theology from the pulpit. It is in al experience. I had a sense of what God the home and the workplace where the was like, but it was a distorted one. My battle lines of theological controversy are idea of God was really an image cast in drawn, and those who step into the pulpit my own reflection. Things changed when I are the church’s first line of defense. began to read the Bible. There I discovered a God who revealed Himself by His cre- This experience has given me a passion ation, His words and actions. Even better, to train my students to be pastors who are it was there I learned about Jesus Christ, also theologians. It has taught me to ap- who is the image of the invisible God (Col. proach my preaching as an exercise in 1:15). It was Jesus who “put a face on oral theology. Preaching is not motiva- God” for me. tional speaking but the collective practice of theological reflection. The important Theology became a matter of vocation role that theology has played in my life is when I entered the ministry. As a pastor I the reason I feel so privileged to write the quickly discovered that those who attend- Theology Matters column for Today in the ed my church were also asking fundamen- Word. I am proud to contribute to a publi- tal and profound questions about the na- cation that believes that theological reflec- ture of God’s relationship with humanity, tion is the necessary work of all believers the origin of evil, and their own personal and not just the province of those who are significance. Yet it seemed to me that the called theologians. church’s theologians, who have reflected on these questions for over two millennia, Theological reflection is a necessary dis- spent most of their time talking among cipline because the Bible was originally themselves. As unfair a stereotype as the addressed to specific people in particular image of the theologian who attempts to circumstances. Many of its books were calculate how many angels can dance on prompted by problems or questions that the point of a pin may be, it does not seem reflected the life situation of those who that far off the mark when you scan the list were its initial audience. The Bible is com- of topics to be discussed at any profession- prehensive in terms of its subject matter al gathering of theologians. Seminaries but is not always systematic in its orga- and Bible colleges often separate theology nization. The theological truths it empha-

Continued on page 38

4 • Today in the Word Volume 23 Issue 11

Managing EDITOR Heather Moffitt

associate editor Elena Mafter 2 Kings: Faithful God of a Faithless People

CONTRIBUTING editorS Adam Kellogg John Koessler In a month when people across America select their Writer leaders, it’s important to remember that God is truly Bryan Stewart in control. We should also keep in mind, though, that Design God gives authority figures the freedom to wander Rachel Hutcheson from His principles—but not without consequences. LAYOUT Larry Bohlin Nancy Rudd The kings of Judah and Israel led the divided nation of God’s people further and further away from Him. They Production manager Paul Currie departed from God politically, religiously, and in the

1-800-DL MOODY everyday lives of ordinary people. But God remained (356-6639) faithful to His promises, even when the people treated www.moodyministries.net their covenant with contempt. It was a dark time in Israel’s history, but the light of hope and redemption was never extinguished.

This month in Today in the Word, we’ll follow the story of God’s steadfast provision of grace to the few who president J. Paul Nyquist remained loyal to Him and mercy to the masses who did not. God’s Word persevered through the testimony Executive Vice president Edward W. Cannon and ministry of and the temporary restoration

provost of godly worship under Josiah despite the opposition Junias Venugopal from generation after generation of wicked rulers. chief financial officer Ken Heulitt It would be easy for us to apply these lessons to the

vice presidents flaws and wrongdoings of political leaders alone, but William Blocker we must remember that the leaders who govern our Larry Davidhizar Lloyd R. Dodson country have no jurisdiction over the kingdom of our John A. Jelinek Frank W. Leber Jr. hearts. As the church of today, we are responsible for Tom MacAdam Stephen Oakley heeding these lessons and for remaining faithful to our Thomas A. Shaw holy King. May this issue of Today in the Word guide Greg R. Thornton you through the Scriptures to help you honor the new TRUSTEE CHAIRMAN Jerry B. Jenkins covenant we have in Christ!

trustees Christopher Denison Moody Bible Institute is the sole publisher of Today in the Word, copyright © 2010 by T. Randall Fairfax Thomas S. Fortson Moody Bible Institute. All rights reserved. Please direct all Today in the Word inqui- J. Paul Nyquist ries to Constituency Response, 820 N. LaSalle Blvd., Chicago, IL 60610. Scripture Bervin C. Peterson taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 David Schipper by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers. Paul Von Tobel Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1962, Mark Wagner 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used Richard Yook by permission. Printed in the U.S.A. Today in the Word is published monthly. Printed on 30% recycled paper. Read: Monday, November 1

In the ancient world, writing of any length to Ahaziah is repeated: “Is it because was done not in books, but on scrolls, so there is no God in Israel that you are authors limited their writing to the space going off to consult -Zebub . . . You available. If an author had more to say, will certainly die!” (vv. 3–4, 6, 16). In a second scroll was used. As we be- the end, God proved true and Ahaziah gin our study this month of 2 Kings, it’s died “according to the word of the Lord important to remember that this is really a that had spoken” (v. 17). On two continuation of the Israelite history other occasions, fire came down from recorded in 1 Kings. heaven to consume the king’s troops who arro- This book begins by “Is not my word gantly tried to seize Elijah recounting that Ahaziah like fire,” declares and silence God’s word. now reigns. We know God reigns over Baal, and the Lord, “and like from 1 Kings 22:51–53 the fire underscores that that Ahaziah “did evil in a hammer that message (vv. 9–12; see the eyes of the Lord”; he breaks a rock ). served Baal and provoked in pieces?” God to anger. Now in Yet there is another 23:29 2 Kings 1, Ahaziah has message here as well: injured himself severely an offer of mercy for enough to wonder about his life. Instead those who will take it. Consider the third of seeking God, he consults a foreign captain: he humbled himself, begged for god. His request is a telling one. Now at mercy (vv. 13–15), and he was spared. the end of his life Ahaziah implies that God’s message to Ahaziah may seem either the God of Israel does not exist, or like a harsh rebuke of disobedience, but He is irrelevant to his needs! viewed another way, it was also an offer of hope. We can repent and turn back Perhaps the most important in today’s to God. He has not forgotten us and he message is revealed in God’s severe op- calls us to obedience once again. If only position to idolatrous disobedience. On Ahaziah would have heeded that word! three separate occasions God’s message

Apply the Word Pray with Us Today’s passage reminds us of the seriousness of Would you join us in praying idolatry, but also of the offer of mercy in God’s word. for Edward Cannon, Execu- Have you, like Ahaziah, treated God as nonexistent tive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer? Let’s ask or irrelevant in your own life? Find a moment today the Lord to continue to grant to reflect on the ways you may be turning from God him wisdom as he serves and to rely upon something else for comfort. Then take leads Moody’s operations today’s word as a challenge for repentance and an staff. offer of mercy from a faithful God who does not give up on His people (even in their unfaithfulness). 6 • Today in the Word Read: Tuesday, November 2

Throughout history, the transfer of leader- just as He had been for generations. Cir- ship has been a tenuous moment. Even cumstances change and leaders come today, some nations around the world and go, but God and His powerful word teeter on the brink of civil war when one remain the same. leader dies and another comes to power. With such shifts in leadership often comes Our passage illustrates God’s enduring the question: What will the future hold? presence in a two-fold manner. First, we see God’s restorative power (vv. 19–22). A similar question under- Through Elisha, God’s lies today’s passage as we grace healed the tainted read about the end of the The grass withers waters of the cursed land prophet Elijah’s ministry in and the flowers (cf. Josh. 6:26). Just as Israel. His impending end fall, but the word Moses healed the bitter was seemingly known by of our God waters of Marah (cf. Ex. all, and Scripture builds stands forever. 15:22–26), so now God’s our suspense for ten verses restorative power contin- before we learn his (and 40:8 ued. Isn’t this the ultimate Israel’s) fate. When Eli- message of the gospel, that jah was finally taken up in miraculous God can reverse a once cursed and fallen fashion, Elisha’s words summarized the land and bring about blessing and life? sentiment of the moment: “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” (v. 14). The Second, we see God’s power in judgment answer is found in the details of the text. (vv. 23–25). As the youths of (a hot-bed of idolatry; see :25– Just as Elisha accompanied Elijah from 33) maliciously rejected God and His Bethel to to the Jordan, so now prophet, the consequence were consistent starting in verse 14, Elisha retraced those with the warnings of judgment in Leviticus steps, moving from the Jordan to Jericho 26:21–22. God’s powerful word brings to Bethel, performing notably miraculous either blessing or curse, depending on actions. He parted the Jordan, healed how we receive that word. The real ques- deathly water, and cursed opponents of tion is not, Where is God?, but How will God. Where is God? He is right here, you respond to His enduring presence?

Apply the Word Pray with Us Do you ever wonder where God is as you consider Dr. Junias Venugopal, the future? Do you doubt His presence, His power, Provost and Dean of Educa- and His care, wondering if He can ever restore the tion, would appreciate your prayers during Spiritual brokenness of your own life? Be encouraged by God’s Enrichment Week at Moody’s enduring power and presence in our lives. Perhaps you Chicago campus. May our can make a list of the anxieties in your own life, then undergraduate students be bring them before the Lord asking Him to instill you with encouraged in their walk confidence in His enduring word that can heal even with Christ and commitment those most broken aspects of our lives. to Him. Today in the Word • 7 Wednesday, Read: November 3

There was a young man who, once grown the Lord through him?” (v. 11). These and out of the house, slowly drifted away kings were in a fix and only godly from his parents’ lives. Now fully on his recognized the importance own, the selfish man rarely called home of God’s word in a difficult time. When or stopped by for visits, except on rare Elisha the prophet had been called, the occasions: when he was short on money. word was given: water will come, and Perfectly content to live most of his life on will fall. Indeed, God declared that his own terms, a financial crisis would it was too easy simply to provide needed always bring him crawling water; He would defeat back home begging for a Moab as well. It turned out parental bailout. But if anybody that the provision of water does sin, we have was also the provision of Joram behaved in a one who speaks victory over Moab. similar way in today’s to the Father in reading. As the king of our defense— Understand the message Israel, Joram determined Jesus Christ, the here. To this wicked and to bring the wayward rash king Joram, God Moabites back under his Righteous One. delivered grace upon thumb, enlisting the help 1 John 2:1 grace. But notice too of the kings of Judah and the reason: it was not to do so. No sooner had Joram led Joram who secured God’s favor, it was forth his expedition, however, than we Jehoshaphat, godly king in the line of are told they met with a crisis: “the army David (vv. 13–14; cf. 1 Kings 22:41–43). had no more water for themselves or for Israel’s victory over Moab may have the animals with them” (v. 9). been incomplete (vv. 26–27), but it was more than Joram ever deserved. We, like Notice the responses to this difficult Joram, also receive God’s abundant situation. While Joram immediately grace because another Righteous One blamed God, Jehoshaphat’s words stands by our side “who speaks to the offered a wiser way: “Is there no prophet Father in our defense” (1 John 2:1). of the Lord here, that we may inquire of

Apply the Word Pray with Us Let today’s passage probe your heart: do you seek Continuing our prayers for God’s wisdom in all you do? Do you wait until you’re our undergraduate students, in trouble before calling upon Him, or even blame let’s thank the Lord for raising up a generation committed God when things don’t go your way? Perhaps you to serving Him in full-time wonder whether you’re worthy to approach God for Christian ministry. Praise the help. Reflect on 1 John 1:5–2:2, a reminder that God’s Lord for these gifted and pas- blessing of grace and victory over sin comes freely to sionate students who will take us because of Christ. Then offer Him your thanks today God’s Word to the world! for the blessing you have in Christ. 8 • Today in the Word Thursday, Read: :1–7 November 4

Sometimes in modern films, when a Yet notice how the desperate woman particularly pivotal scene or an responded. She neither sulked in a cor- especially complicated action arrives, ner, nor turned to criminal ways to sup- a visual effect will be employed: “slow- ply her needs, nor cursed God and waited motion.” By using this slow-motion to die. She cried out to God through technique, the viewer is given the Elisha and sought His aid and comfort in opportunity to catch the significance or difficult times. In this faithful woman we details of the transpiring events. Without hear the affirmation of Psalm 121:1–2: slowing things down, the “Where does my help director risks his audience Now to him who come from? My help comes missing important aspects is able to do from the Lord, the Maker of of the film. heaven and earth.” immeasurably All of 2 Kings 4 is about more than all we And then we come to God’s the various ways God ask or imagine response, which illustrates provides in difficult times. . . . be glory in the pattern of His faith- By slowing things down the church and in fulness in difficult times. and spending the next Christ Jesus. Elisha called the woman three days on one chapter, to collect numerous empty we have the opportunity Ephesians 3:20–21 jars from neighbors and to observe this important then in the privacy of her theme more closely. Look at the difficult home to begin pouring oil into the jars. situation laid out at the start of today’s As the woman kept pouring, every last jar reading: a helpless woman had just lost she borrowed was filled. God took what her husband, had two sons to support, the woman thought of as a sign of her faced a creditor ready to exact pay- destitution (the oil), and used it to bring ment, and had “nothing there at all . . . about not only provision, but an abun- except a little oil” (v. 2). If we take these dance of provision. What a remarkable words at face value, this family was truly picture of our gracious God who pours facing its last days! Does it get much out His blessing so our cup overflows bleaker than this? (Ps. 23:5)!

Apply the Word Pray with Us Today’s message is simple, but profound: God cares Bill Blocker, Vice President for His people and can provide for us abundantly. of Educational Services, Perhaps you know someone who needs to hear this provides our students with important resources, includ- today: a family member who struggles with loneliness, ing Moody’s library and a neighbor who has lost employment, or a friend who technology services. Pray that wonders if God really cares. Through a phone call, a God will use these valuable brief note, or an act of service, encourage them to turn resources to prepare students to the God who truly cares; He may provide for your for a lifetime of service to needs in surprising and abundant ways. Christ. Today in the Word • 9 Read: 2 Kings 4:8–37 Friday, November 5

In his musical composition Peter and the people. But then things turned dark. Wolf, Serge Prokofiev employed a tech- Before reaching adulthood, the child died nique known as leitmotif in which each and the woman was left with perplexity character in the story is represented by a and “bitter distress” (v. 27). Why would particular musical instrument. When the God grant the happiness of a child only listener hears the oboe, for instance, one to take him away so quickly? With that knows that the duck has entered the scene. anxiety in her heart, the woman turned to Leitmotif can also be a literary term refer- Elisha, and in doing so essentially turned ring to recurring themes to God Himself. In a living throughout the work, iden- act of faith, the woman tifying for the reader cen- Where, O death, clung to God during des- tral motifs of the narrative. is your victory? perate, confusing times (see vv. 27, 30). Where, O death, As one reads through today’s passage, it be- is your sting? Elisha too modeled true comes obvious that the 1 Corinthians 15:55 faith; without answers story of the Shunammite himself (v. 27), Elisha went woman falls into a famil- to the dead boy, “shut the iar scriptural leitmotif: a barren woman door . . . and prayed to the Lord” (v. 33). gets a child. Much like the stories of Both the woman and the prophet turned Sarah (Genesis 11—21), Rebekah (Gen. to God in times of distress. And what 25:21), and Rachel (Gen. 29:31–30:24), started as a story about a barren woman we meet in today’s reading a faithful, yet soon became a marvelous declaration of barren, woman. Having receiving much God’s triumph over death—and a pre- kindness from this woman, Elisha learned view of the coming, final resurrection in of her heart’s desire and promised that Christ of all God’s faithful people (see she would soon have a child. A year 1 Corinthians 15). Although suffering later, the woman bore a son. and death still remain (even this boy would eventually die again), they do not All seemed well to this point, another have the final say. Today’s resurrection story of God’s generous provision for His account proclaims that message.

Apply the Word Pray with Us Many of us know the pain of losing a loved one, Through Moody Distance and those moments of grief and loss may tempt us to Learning, men and women question God’s power or love. Let today’s message around the world have ac- cess to a Moody education. reorient your thinking. Realize that in the raising of this Let’s express appreciation woman’s son, we are given a picture of Christ’s final in prayer for the ministry of and ultimate defeat of death where we can join with Lanna-Marie Enns, serving Paul in proclaiming: “Where, O death, is your victory? in Moody Distance Learning Where, O death, is your sting?” Make that your quiet Independent Studies. but powerful reminder today. 10 • Today in the Word Read: 2 Kings 4:38–44 Saturday, November 6

One day a little girl asked her mother, Into this context of famine and scarcity, “Where did I come from?” After a today’s reading speaks an overarching moment of shock, the mother calmed message of God’s abundance in deficient her nerves and launched into a lengthy times. With God’s intervention, a pot of and comprehensive explanation of the death became a much-needed meal of wonder of pregnancy and birth. After sustenance and nourishment. A hungry she finished, there was a long pause. crowd of one hundred was miraculously Then the little girl replied, “Oh, because fed with only twenty loaves of bread. Not my friend says she came only were they fed, but as from Cleveland.” the Lord promised, they For this is what the had some left over. Lest we Like this interaction miss the point about God’s Lord says: “They between mother and child, provision for the mundane will eat and have sometimes in Scripture necessities of life, Scripture we focus on the wrong some left over.” uses the verb “to eat” eight details. Many commentar- 2 Kings 4:43 different times in just seven ies spend large amounts of verses. These two stories time exploring the puzzles are all about food. And in today’s passage: exactly what’s wrong it was God who was doing the feeding with the stew? Will it kill them or only and providing! make them sick? How does the addition of flour fix the problem? One important Of course we must be careful here. detail, however, is often overlooked, and Today’s reading is not a promise that it holds our two food miracles together. God’s children will never go hungry Verse 38 tells us “there was a famine in or that we will always have food in that region.” This was a time of serious abundance. But it does show us that dearth and deficiency; a spoiled meal or God’s power and will are not thwart- a hundred hungry people to feed was not ed even by great need or seemingly just an inconvenience, it was a moment impossible circumstances. Nothing is too of great magnitude, perhaps even one of difficult or too trivial for God. life and death.

Apply the Word Pray with Us Each day we have food is a day when God has We invite you to pray for Ste- continued to provide. Christians in more affluent coun- phen Oakley, Vice President tries often take this for granted; but around the world and General Counsel. As he assists Moody’s ministries children, women, and men are desperate for food with his legal expertise, ask and clean water. Consider supporting one of several the Lord to clearly guide and Christian ministries that work to share the gospel with direct him. tangible resources like food, water, and other necessi- ties to those in need. Visit www.samaritanspurse.org or www.worldvision.org to see how you can get involved. Today in the Word • 11 Read: 2 Kings 5 Sunday, November 7

The nation of (“Syria” in some trans- We also see that God’s ways can effect lations) lay to the northeast of the land of great change. expected a lot Israel. Throughout the eighth and ninth more attention and fanfare in his healing centuries B.C. Israel and Aram were in a experience. Instead, he was asked to take constant state of tension. Military clashes a bath in the Jordan. Naaman eventually occurred frequently, interspersed with obeyed, but notice the transformation in occasional periods of peace. Israel would his attitude. His initial reaction to Elisha’s have kept a close eye on the Aramean command was anger and pride. Thanks armies, for they were to the wisdom of some perennial rivals. servants, Naaman shifted Now I know that to an attitude of obedi- Understanding the inter- there is no God ence. Finally, he softened national politics of the day to a humble confession in all the world makes today’s reading all that “there is no God in the more startling. This except in Israel. all the world except in healing of Naaman the 2 Kings 5:15 Israel,” and then made the Aramean was an exten- promise to worship God sion of God’s grace not alone for the remainder of just to a foreigner, but to the very enemy his days. God’s unexpected ways have of God’s people Israel! And from this text the power to humble our pride, elicit true we learn important lessons about God’s confessions of faith, and prompt us to ways. First, we see that He is the God of appropriate worship. the whole world. Our text shows us that it was God who supervised the military Notice, finally, the warning at the end. victories of the , orchestrated Countering the message that God’s the arrival of a nameless Israelite girl grace was truly free, ’s greed and into the home of the foreigner Naaman, lying undermined that message by asking and then extended His grace and heal- Naaman for payment. In the end, there ing powers to one outside His people. As was a switch: while Naaman was healed Psalm 24:1 proclaims: “The earth is the through faith, Gehazi became leprous. Lord’s and everything in it.”

Apply the Word Pray with Us Today’s reading is a good reminder that God’s care Continuing our prayers for extends to the whole world. The gospel message is Moody’s Legal department, the same: God’s grace is not just for one nation, one let’s lift up Cassandrea Blakely, Elizabeth Brown, people group, one race, or one sex; it’s offered to all Natalie Harper, and Hannah in Christ (see Gal. 3:28). This Sunday as you enter Roos. May the Lord bless corporate worship, intercede for the thousands of these women for their faithful people who live around the world who yet know service at Moody. nothing of the truth of Christ. Ask God to shower His grace upon them in powerful and unexpected ways. 12 • Today in the Word Read: 2 Kings 6:1–23 Monday, November 8

In an age of identity theft, our personal text speaks otherwise; God watches over and financial security seems daily at risk. us—even in the small things. Knowledge of this persistent fear leads one company to offer full, guaranteed The second half of today’s reading dem- protection against identity theft. For a onstrates that God watches over us in the monthly fee, they will monitor your identi- big things, too. Aram and Israel were at ty credentials and notify you of abnormal war (again). Elisha warned the Israel- activity. Their motto: “We watch out for ite king of the Aramean’s plans until the you so you don’t have to.” frustrated Aramean king sent his troops to capture While there may be con- the prophet. The army solation in knowing some Elisha prayed, “O surrounded the town, and company watches out Lord, open his eyes Elisha’s servant feared the for you, today’s passage so he may see.” worst. Elisha prayed: “O teaches us that there is Lord open his eyes so he 2 Kings 6:17 also a God who watches may see” (v. 17), and the over and cares for us. servant observed the hills Sometimes we just need filled with God’s blazing, the vision of faith to see it. Our reading heavenly army. Of course, God’s army begins with the account of an axhead was there all along; what changed was accidentally slipping into the river. not God’s decision to protect Elisha, but Elisha recovered the tool by miraculously the servant’s ability to see. making the axhead float. One may wonder why such a seemingly inconse- Continuing the theme of sight, the quential story is included in Scripture. If Aramean army was temporarily blinded nothing else, the episode tells us that God until they were delivered into the hand of cares for our needs no matter how trivial the Israelite king. At the urging of Elisha, they seem. Have you ever avoided pray- the armies were fed, then sent home with ing for something, thinking God doesn’t a clear message blazoned in their memo- care about such small concerns? Today’s ries: God cares for His people; you just need the right vision to see it.

Apply the Word Pray with Us The last stanza of a 1904 hymn, “God Will Take Care Your prayers will be an of You,” conveys today’s message: “No matter what encouragement to Ken Heu- may be the test / God will take care of you; / lean, litt, Chief Financial Officer. Please join us in praying for weary one, upon his breast, / God will take care of God’s continued financial you.” Big or small, God can handle your problems provision for Moody’s min- and provide for your needs—in a wondrous display istries. The Lord has always of power or a quiet assurance of His love. Either way, generously provided for He is here and He cares. Ask God today to open your Moody’s needs, and we are eyes that you may have that vision of faith. trusting Him for the future. Today in the Word • 13 Tuesday, Read: 2 Kings 6:24–7:20 November 9

The period from 1921 to 1923 was and grieved the situation. Yet instead of marked by hyperinflation in the Weimar turning to God in sorrow over his dis- Republic. In early 1921, roughly sixty obedience and idolatry, he blamed God German Marks equaled one U.S. dollar. and Elisha for such desperate times. He By 1923, through a series of economic wanted revenge instead of repentance. circumstances and governmental deci- His anger toward God was clear: “This sions, the exchange rate became four tril- disaster is from the Lord. Why should I lion German Marks per U.S. dollar! At its wait for the Lord any longer?” (6:33). worst, prices doubled every two days. In late November Surprisingly, the king got a 1923, when a new cur- message of hope: this time rency was introduced, the He will respond to tomorrow, the crisis would old Marks became worth- the prayer of the be over. And now the test less and were collected to destitute; he will remained: will you believe be recycled as paper. No not despise the explicit promise of one living in the Weimar their plea. God? The servant voiced Republic could deny those his disbelief, and the king were desperate times. Psalm 102:17 displayed sheer skepticism (see 7:12), but the bulk of Israelites living in the passage highlights the knew desperate times as well, as today’s fulfillment of that word. reading makes painfully clear. Suffering the consequences of covenantal disobedi- Run off by God’s power (note 7:6–7), the ence (see Deut. 28:45–57), the city of Sa- Arameans abandoned their camp. Four maria was under siege by the Arameans. lowly lepers reported the news to the king, Sustenance was scarce and food prices royal messengers verified it, and the word were sky high. So desperate was the situ- of God was fulfilled: food prices dropped ation that citizens had resorted to eating and the king’s disbelieving servant was their own children in order to survive. dead. Scripture underscores the reliabil- ity of God’s promises by telling us four When the king of Israel heard first-hand different times that everything happened of this drastic practice, he tore his robes just as God said it would (7:16–20).

Apply the Word Pray with Us When God speaks His word of promise, it can be Continuing our prayers for trusted. Scripture provides us with a multitude of prom- Moody’s finances, today our ises from our God: His care for our needs (Phil. 4:19), prayers go to God for the Controller’s Office: Michael His constant presence with us (Heb. 13:5); His aid in Duong, Kimberly George, temptation (1 Cor. 10:13); His mighty future return Robert Jones, Neng Khang, (Rev. 22:7). Choose one of these, or another promise and Alice Leighton-Armah. you find in Scripture, and post it someplace where you May the Lord give them great will see it throughout the day. Each time you see it, joy and deep fulfillment in pause to give thanks for God’s promising word. their work at Moody. 14 • Today in the Word Wednesday, Read: November 10

Before filming The Girl from Petrovka, 15 highlight Elisha’s ministry of God’s actor Anthony Hopkins searched in vain judgment. had been sent to Elisha throughout London bookstores for the by the ailing Aramean king Ben- George Feifer book by the same name. to discover whether recovery was likely. No bookstore had any, but Hopkins final- Elisha’s puzzling answer in verse 10 ly discovered a discarded copy left lying suggested that if he were left alone Ben- in a train station. Years later, Hopkins met Hadad would recover, but with Hazael’s Feifer and learned that the author had lost involvement, he would not. In fulfillment his own annotated copy. of :15–17, Hopkins retrieved his own Elisha declared that Haz- and showed it to Feifer. To “For I take no ael would become the next the amazement of both, pleasure in the Aramean king and would it was none other than inflict extreme violence on death of anyone,” Feifer’s own lost copy! the Israelites. Such news declares the brought Elisha to tears, Gehazi and the king of Sovereign LORD. but delight to Hazael (who Israel experienced a simi- “Repent and live!” promptly returned and lar coincidence in today’s killed his king!). :32 reading. Just as Gehazi was telling the king about Although we do not yet the time Elisha restored a woman’s son see the promised destruction of Israel by to life, the Shunammite woman herself the Arameans, the mindful reader knows appeared. In response, the king ordered it is coming, and the rest of chapter 8 the woman to have all her land and pos- exhibits the spiraling direction of both sessions restored. Of course, Scripture’s Israel and Judah away from God and point is not to offer examples of coinci- toward His judgment. Verses 16 through dence, but to show God’s grace bestowed 29 record that the family ties between upon His faithful people, orchestrating all Judah’s kings and Israel’s kings were the details in order to do so. working their ill effect. The Judean kings, like the kings of Israel, “did evil in the If earlier chapters demonstrated Elisha’s eyes of the Lord” (vv. 18, 27). ministry of God’s grace, verses 7 through

Apply the Word Pray with Us Today we see kindness shown to one, but judg- Concluding our prayers for ment promised to disobedient Israel. Notice Elisha’s the Controller’s Office, please response; like Jesus weeping over (Luke remember Paulette Phillips, Roger Sipes, Annita Smith, 19:41–44), Elisha displayed God’s deep love for His Teresa Stegall, and Linda people—even when disobedient. We are encouraged Wahr. Praise God for these to see God not as an angry judge, but as a loving God individuals who are using who wants us to live and be blessed rather than reject their God-given gifts to serve Him and die. Take heart in the words of our key verse Christ’s kingdom at Moody! today (Ezek. 18:32). Today in the Word • 15 Read: Thursday, November 11

Some things in life, no matter how neces- ordered her thrown to her death from the sary, remain unpleasant to experience. window. Details of her bloody demise are Anyone who has had a root canal would provided, including wild dogs devouring never desire such a procedure, no matter her body. So decimated was her body that how much Novocain is used. Others who she was unrecognizable in the end. have had a heart bypass, even if glad for the resulting health, do not savor the mem- Why do we need to hear about all this? ories of surgery. And those who know Couldn’t we have been spared the grue- the destruction that che- some details? Obviously motherapy wreaks on the God thought otherwise. body in order to eradicate The details of Scripture an insidious cancer do not He was pierced for teach us important lessons. long for the next round of our transgressions, First, the explicit destruc- treatment, even if the hope tion described here have of recovery is promising. he was crushed for a purpose, summarized in our iniquities. verse 6 through 10. This Today’s reading is not a Isaiah 53:5 is not capricious brutality, pleasant experience either. but God’s specific action There are multiple deaths, to eradicate the cancer some explicitly described. of ’s line, a family When received word that he was the steeped in idolatry and covenantal disobe- new king of Israel, he immediately took dience. The brutality of their destruction action. Finding Joram in Jezreel, Jehu demonstrates the severity of their sin and declared his intentions and then promptly the extreme need to remove their influence shot an arrow through Joram’s heart. Jehu from God’s people. then ordered Joram’s body to be picked up and thrown to the plot of ground once Second, the details fulfill specific prophe- belonging to Naboth. cies. First King 19:15–18 was fulfilled in the rise of Jehu and subsequent destruc- Then there was , that wicked wife of tion; 1 Kings 21:19–23 was fulfilled in the king Ahab and murderer of God’s proph- details of the deaths of both Joram and ets. Despite her attempts at seduction, Jehu Jezebel. God’s word is proven true.

Apply the Word Pray with Us Another prophesy of harsh necessity is found in the John Knight in Education Re- Bible. Isaiah 53 depicts the suffering of Christ who was sources Marketing welcomes “despised,” “rejected,” “pierced,” “crushed,” “op- your prayer support. Please ask the Lord to use John pressed,” and “afflicted,” all “for our transgressions” mightily in the advancement (Isa. 53:3–7). The gravity of sin calls for extreme mea- of Moody’s undergraduate sures, but we can rest in God’s love because of Christ’s and seminary programs. suffering on our behalf. Read Isaiah 53 today, and give thanks for a God who is willing to go to extremes to eliminate the pervasive disease of sin in His people. 16 • Today in the Word Read: Friday, November 12

Any boy scout who has earned his He then demonstrated this zeal by laying Wilderness Survival merit badge knows a cunning trap for the prophets of Baal. the importance not only of starting a Feigning a festival to honor Baal, Jehu fire, but also of keeping that fire strong. assembled every last Baal prophet and The best-built fires, if left unattended had them slaughtered. The prophets will eventually diminish to smoldering were now dead, the sacred stone was ashes. To keep the fire strong, one must demolished, and the temple turned into a continue to feed the flames with new latrine. Baal worship in Israel was gone sources of fuel. (v. 28), and God reward- ed Jehu with the promise The need to continue Yet Jehu was not of four generations of fanning the spiritual flame careful to keep the kings (v. 30). All seemed is an important lesson in law of the Lord, the well; zeal for God and His today’s reading as well. God of Israel, with word was a driving force Previously, Jehu had been all his heart. in Jehu’s life. given the task of ridding Israel of the wicked house 2 Kings 10:31 But then comes the rest of of Ahab. Jehu did that the chapter. Immediately with great zeal. First, Jehu eliminated the after the glowing comment about Baal seventy princes of the family of Ahab at eradication, we read: “However, [Jehu] Jezreel. He then displayed the evidence at did not turn from the sins of the city gates, not as some barbaric act of son of Nebat” (v. 29). Then after God’s cruelty, but for theological purposes. As promise of reward, we read: “Yet Jehu Jehu himself declared: “Know then, that was not careful to keep the law of the not a word the Lord has spoken against Lord . . . with all his heart” (v. 31). What the house of Ahab will fail” (v. 10). Jehu a sad commentary on how quickly Jehu understood the reliability of God’s word, forgot. What started as a burning zeal and publicly proclaimed his own zeal for had turned into a barely smoldering the Lord (v. 16). ember. The fire was gone.

Apply the Word Pray with Us For how many of us could the words of verse 31 be It’s our privilege to pray for true, forgetting to set our whole heart upon God? Dr. Paul Nyquist, Moody’s Like burning logs, we too are aided by joining with President. May the joy of the Lord be his strength as he others to keep the spiritual flame alive. Find someone leads Moody’s education, ra- today—a friend, a spouse, a spiritual mentor—with dio, and publishing ministries whom you can create a list of ways to continue fanning in the way they should go. the flame of love for God in your life. Agree to pray for one another and to hold each other accountable to a life committed to Christ. Today in the Word • 17 Read: 2 Kings 11 Saturday, November 13

Take a look at the ingredients on and his wife (see almost any food item in the grocery store 2 Chron. 22:11 for mention of their rela- and you are bound to find a list of food tionship). Two previously unknown figures preservatives. Those ingredients can be in history quietly stepped forward to save natural (such as salt, sugar, and spices) the infant Joash from certain destruction, or artificial (such as nitrates and sodium hiding him away from ruthless , bicarbonate). Preservatives are used to and raising him for seven years in the keep food fresh and to slow down the temple. When ready, Jehoiada publicly process of food spoilage. presented the boy and Without preservatives of proclaimed him king. The some kind, most of the Jehoiada then wicked usurper Athaliah food in our kitchens would made a covenant was soon put to death. be unusable in a matter between the Lord of days. and the king and As important as the the people that actions of Jehoiada and In today’s reading we they would be the Jehosheba actions were in find God using His own preserving the physical heir version of preservatives, Lord’s people. of God’s chosen line, they not for food but for His 2 Kings 11:17 also preserved something promises to the southern more: God’s covenant. kingdom Judah. Keep in mind God’s Notice Jehoiada’s actions in verse 12. previous promise that King David’s line He brought the boy to the crowd, anoint- would be “established forever” (2 Sam. ed him king, but also “presented him with 7:16). Yet in 2 Kings 11 that line was a copy of the covenant.” A few verses teetering on the edge of destruction. later, Jehoiada helped the king and Athaliah, the mother of now-dead - people renew their covenant with their iah, seized the throne and proceeded “to God. As a result, the people rushed to destroy the whole royal family” (v. 1). destroy the temple of Baal in the land. Jehoiada’s action not only preserved If all heirs of the kingly line were killed, the physical line of David, but also the God’s earlier promise would fail. life-giving, covenantal relationship with Enter the preservers, the faithful priest their God.

Apply the Word Pray with Us Perhaps today’s reading reminds you of a similar story We ask that you pray for in the New Testament. There, another small child in Lawrence Beach in Copy David’s line was whisked away from certain death Center as he and his team provide copy services for at the hands of a raging, paranoid ruler (Matt. 2:13– Moody’s various ministries. 18). There, like in today’s story, the was May the Lord encourage Law- preserved, now in the promised Messiah Jesus. Give rence as he faithfully serves thanks to God today for His constant preservation of the faculty, staff, and students His people and His word—a word that brings us the at Moody’s Chicago campus rich salvation of a relationship with Him. today. 18 • Today in the Word Read: 2 Kings 12 Sunday, November 14

A motivational speaker stood in front of and concern about the temple repairs. the audience, a beautiful pocket watch When the work was not proceeding resting on the table before him. He quickly enough, Joash himself stepped explained to the crowd that such a watch in to ensure God’s house received the took months to create and required required repairs. Clearly the covenant careful attention to detail, finely-crafted renewal of 2 Kings 11 had led to a parts, and a gentle touch. The speaker conscious concern for covenantal then proceeded to pull out a large hammer worship at the temple, demonstrating that and smashed the watch a healthy relationship with to pieces. The speaker’s God should naturally lead conclusion: “It’s much Joash did . . . right to a zeal for our worship easier to ruin a good thing in the eyes of the of God. than it is to create and Lord all the years maintain it.” Jehoiada the priest What started off so well, instructed him. however, soon began The same could be said of to unravel. After a long a healthy relationship with 2 Kings 12:2 description of temple God—it’s much easier to repairs, verses 17 through diminish it with neglect than it is to nurture 21 depict a shift in Joash’s focus. Feeling it and cause it to grow. Today’s reading the pressure from Hazael, king of Aram, provides a similar picture. Young Joash, Joash quickly undid everything by king of Israel, started off his forty-year using temple goods as a payoff to a reign on the right foot. With the help of wicked king. Hazael departed, but the Jehoiada the priest, Joash “did what was temple now stood empty, and Joash right in the eyes of the Lord” (v. 2). himself would meet an untimely death at the hand of his officials. The clue to this Presumably a large part of his piety shift comes in verse 2—as long as Joash was his interest in repairing the temple. was instructed by the priest, all was well, Thirteen verses are devoted to a but once Jehoiada died, Joash quickly description of Joash’s careful attention lost his focus (see also 2 Chron. 22).

Apply the Word Pray with Us What a reminder of the importance of godly influences Praise God for the gifted fac- in our life! Without Jehoiada the priest, Joash quickly ulty serving in the undergrad- drifted from God and ended up undoing much of his uate school’s Music depart- ment: Ronald Denison, David earlier good. Such a message cuts two ways. Perhaps Gauger, Julia Graddy, and you find yourself faltering in your faith. Find a spiritual Xiangtang Hong. We thank mentor to help you get back on track. It may be that the Lord for their commitment God is prompting you to invest yourself in another per- to training musicians to serve son, providing a godly influence in the life of someone Christ’s church around the else. Act on that need today as the Holy Spirit leads. world. Today in the Word • 19 Question and Answer C. Donald Cole, Moody Radio Pastor

A friend argues that Supposedly “venial” sins are also mortal, many sins are not seri- however, unless the sinner repents and be- ous: they are “venial.” He lieves in Jesus. What we know for certain is frets about “mortal” sins that one sin—and only one sin—is unforgiv- that can take a man to hell unless able: refusal to believe in Jesus. We have His confessed. My question is, is such a word for it. He warned His opponents, “You distinction between categories of sin will die in your sin. Where I go, you can- valid? Or is sin sin, period? not come” (John 8:21). Lest He be misunder- stood, He repeated himself and added a few Generally speaking, in the words, “I told you that you would die in your minds of those who contend sins; if you do not believe that I am the one I for these distinctions “venial” claim to be, you will indeed die in your sins” sins are pardonable faults; they (John 8:24). may be overlooked or forgiven as excus- able. “Mortal” sins, on the other hand, may Unbelievers need not remain in unbelief. Je- be seen as causing the death of the soul. sus said He had come “to seek and to save” Without repentance and forgiveness, these lost sinners (Luke 19:10), and “God did not sins will condemn the soul to eternal damna- send his Son into the world to condemn the tion. Murder, suicide, and adultery appear world, but to save the world through him” routinely on the list of mortal sins that take (John 3:17). Those words are part of one the sinner to hell. Different churches use dif- of the most magnificent paragraphs in the ferent criteria for determining whether a sin Bible, spoken for all the sinners of history. is “mortal” or less dire. They tell sinners who are complacent about so-called venial sins that they need divine Sin is sin, but some sins do have worse con- forgiveness; they need a Savior. And these sequences than others. Take the betrayal by words tell sinners who fear their sins are un- Judas. Jesus said, “Woe to that man who be- forgivable (“mortal”) that Jesus can forgive trays the Son of Man! It would be better for every sin, and redeem every soul for an eter- him if he had not been born” (Mark 14:21). nal relationship with God. See Jesus’ denunciations of the unrepentant Pharisees (Matthew 23) and others who, The terms of salvation are the same for every having attributed evil to the Holy Spirit were sinner: repentance toward God and faith in told they would never be forgiven (Matt. Jesus Christ (Acts 20:21). 12:30–37). The cases cited here were fatal, and they cost their perpetrators their souls. Their sins were “mortal” sins.

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20 • Today in the Word The terms of salvation are the same for every sinner.

Continued from previous page Is it wrong to smoke? The Bible is clear about disputed practices such as smoking, but it doesn’t hand down flat verdicts; it doesn’t say, “Yes, it’s okay to smoke” or “No, it is wrong to smoke.” In- Ask a medical person and you’ll stead, it tells us how to deal with the ques- get an unequivocal answer: Do tion. A major passage is Romans 14. That not smoke! The use of tobacco chapter deals not with smoking but with an is primarily a health issue. It is equally controversial issue roiling the minds a religious or spiritual issue only in the sense of Christians living at the time in a pagan it is deliberate abuse of your body, and also culture: Is it permissible to eat the meat of harms others through secondary smoke. The animals that had been killed in pagan rituals primary source for that opinion is the medi- and then offered for sale in the local butcher cal profession, which routinely publishes shop? warnings about the destructive, even lethal, effects of prolonged use of tobacco. The chapter is too rich for adequate treat- ment in this format. But the thrust of its teach- Preachers add that the body is sacred, ing can be summed up in a few statements: created by God for us to serve and worship (a) respect the brother whose opinions are Him (referred to in Scripture as a temple of unduly rigid; (b) let him be as “conserva- the Holy Spirit). Though it’s possible to abuse tive” as he wants to be; (c) you who consider it in more than one way (overeating, seden- yourself to be strong (i.e. not worried by the tary lifestyle, etc.), smoking is an especially possibility that the meat was “tainted”) must blatant mistreatment of it. Nothing com- not regard your opponent with contempt; pels us to smoke, meaning that there is no and (d) he must not judge you. physical need for anyone to consume tobac- co products. The heart of the chapter is found in state- ments about God; He is our judge, not some- Another consideration is indifference to the one else. We must answer to God for the welfare of others—those forced to inhale way we live, not to an earthly critic. Finally, your smoke. The reality of this danger can verses 17 through 23 give a noble definition be found in notices posted in restaurants, air- of the kingdom of God. It is not a collection planes, and elsewhere forbidding the use of of trivia; it is not a set of rules. It is the pur- tobacco. It is hard to reconcile the command suit of true holiness (righteousness and peace to love others as ourselves and then inflict to- and joy in the Holy Spirit) that seeks the good bacco smoke on their lungs. of our brothers and sisters in the kingdom of God.

www.todayintheword.com • 21 Read: Monday, November 15

A notoriously absent-minded man had and God’s grace and mercy showed once again lost his remote control. He through. Jehoahaz, we are told, unex- spent an hour searching the house for pectedly “sought the Lord’s favor” (v. 4). the missing remote—under the couch The response? Seeing their great suffer- cushions, under the chair, in the bed- ing, “The Lord listened to him” and sent room, behind the TV, in the bathroom— a deliverer (this could also be translated all to no avail. Later in the day, feeling a as “savior”) to rescue them (vv. 4–5). Is craving for ice cream, the man went to the this not God’s gracious way? In the midst freezer. When he opened of humanity’s oppression the door, what should under sin and death, God he see but the misplaced But the Lord sent the ultimate Savior, remote control! was gracious to Christ, to rescue us. them and had Sometimes God’s grace compassion and Then there was Jehoash, of salvation shows up showed concern the second wicked king. in unexpected places as for them because Hearing of Elisha’s well, and today’s reading impending death, the king gives us an example of just of his covenant. went to him in tears over that. This chapter recounts 2 Kings 13:23 the coming loss of God’s the story of two evil kings prophet in Israel. The of Israel, Jehoahaz and Jehoash. Both response? Through Elisha, God dem- received the same indictment: “He did onstrated the hope of salvation and evil in the eyes of the LORD,” and both life. First, Elisha declared “the arrow of continued Israel’s pervasive idolatry (vv. victory (literally “salvation”) over Aram” 2, 11). As a result, the nation of Israel (v. 17), and the three-fold defeat of the suffered for its disobedience: the Arameans was soon fulfilled. Then came Arameans persisted as a thorn in Israel’s the strange resurrection of a dead man side, oppressing them continually. through Elisha’s bones. Both episodes illustrate God’s ability and willingness Yet in the midst of this oft-repeated cy- to extend life and grace to His people, if cle of sin and idolatry, surprising mo- only they would turn and ask. ments appear when the kings softened

Apply the Word Pray with Us Notice the stated reason for God’s grace and mercy: Continuing our prayers for “because of His covenant with Abraham, Isaac and faculty in the Music depart- Jacob” (v. 23). That covenant, the New Testament tells ment at Moody’s Chicago campus, let’s ask the Lord to us, was fulfilled in the coming of Christ, and the grace, give Jori Jennings, Brian Lee, compassion, and concern that God showed Israel is Elizabeth Naegele, and Gary now ours in and through Him. If you know someone Rownd opportunities to speak who struggles to believe God’s love and forgiveness in God’s truth into the lives of Christ is real, share today’s message: for those who turn young men and women they and seek the Lord, He is always ready to listen and act. are teaching. 22 • Today in the Word Read: Tuesday, November 16

In a well-known Aesop’s fable, a slow- In arrogance, he challenged Israel to paced tortoise races a quick and arrogant battle, lost miserably, and saw the tem- hare. It’s obvious in the beginning who ple depleted of its riches. Eventually he should have won the race, but the hare in was forced from Jerusalem and killed by the lead unwisely decided to take a nap. conspirators. The king had a godly start As he slept, the slow and steady tortoise that ended in misery and defeat. Clues as plodded along to the finish line, beating to why are given early on: he was no King the snoozing hare. One lesson from the David, for he allowed the high places to fable might be this: finish- remain (vv. 3–4). Early ing strong is just as impor- faithfulness soon turned to Do you show tant as starting well. incomplete devotion and contempt for arrogant action. Amaziah of Judah would the riches of his have done well to heed kindness . . . not Another twist occurs in our such a lesson in today’s realizing that reading today, this time reading. His reign over God’s kindness concerning Jerobaom II of southern Judah started off Israel. We are told quite leads you toward well. After gaining con- clearly of God’s condem- trol of the kingdom, he repentance? nation of Jeroboam’s sin eliminated those officials Romans 2:4 of idolatry. Yet surpris- who had assassinated ingly, under Jeroboam, his father, but spared their sons. Why? Israel’s borders were restored and Jero- Because he knew God’s law, which said boam himself was used by God to help that children should not be put to death deliver the Israelites from oppression. The for their fathers’ sins (see Deut. 24:16). wicked king had found blessing. Note the He knew God’s word and put it into subtle warning: Jeroboam’s success had practice. In addition, Amaziah had great nothing to do with God’s indifference to success in battle, defeating large armies sin. It was because of God’s mercy and and securing new cities. covenantal faithfulness that Jeroboam enjoyed God’s goodness for a time (see Yet despite that impressive start, vv. 26–27). We must not mistake God’s Amaziah’s end was not so wonderful. patience over sin as His approval of sin.

Apply the Word Pray with Us Today’s reading offers a double message. If you start- Concluding our prayers for ed your Christian walk well but are now floundering in the Music department’s fac- spiritual laziness, be admonished to continue faithfully ulty, let’s remember H. E. Sin- gley, Terry Strandt, Cynthia to the end. Commit to renewing your walk with God Uitermarkt, and Un-Young today. And if you have never truly committed your life Whang. Thank the Lord for to God, but have experienced God’s blessing anyway, the gift of music that leads so let today’s message challenge you not to take God’s many into the presence of the patience over sin as His approval of it. Let God’s kind- Lord to worship the King. ness lead you to repentance today (see Rom. 2:4). Today in the Word • 23 Wednesday, Read: 2 Kings 15 November 17

Most whirlpools found in nature are not foreign nations, loss of cities and land, very strong. But more powerful vortexes and even the deportation of Israelite fami- do exist, sometimes called maelstroms, lies into Assyria. These were horrific and which have been known to cause injury chaotic times for Israel. and death to the unfortunate or inexpe- rienced. In such maelstroms, the danger The speed with which Scripture presents comes from the faster, spiraling waters these reigns indicates something pro- and the resulting downdraft that pulls found: a spiritual maelstrom of death the unsuspecting seafarer has been created, and as under the waters. the succession of wicked kings rapidly moves on, In today’s passage we see He did evil in the the downward spiral something of a spiritual has begun to drag Israel eyes of the Lord, maelstrom for the nation down. All of the chaos of Israel as the succession as his fathers above should have acted of wicked rulers becomes had done. as warning signs to those more and more frequent 2 Kings 15:9 paying attention, but none in a short amount of of the leaders seemed to time. Consider the quick take notice. sequence of Israelite kings reported in our chapter: Zechariah, Shal- We’re not left only with despair; Scrip- lum, , , and — ture does give us a poignant contrast, five kings in a span of less than thirteen bookending the chapter with two posi- years, all of whom “did evil in the eyes tive reigns (both from southern Judah). of the Lord” (vv. 9, 13–16, 18, 24, 28). Azariah (also called ) and his son In that brief space of time, these kings Jotham combine to rule Judah for sixty- unleashed a flood of sin and turmoil on eight years, both of them doing “what the land: treachery against rulers, three was right in the eyes of the Lord” (vv. 3, assassinations of reigning kings, brutal- 34). The point should be clear: sin and ity against pregnant women (and their disobedience lead to the downward still-developing infants), heavy taxation spiral of chaos, but obedience to God’s on their subjects, international strife from word brings the assurance of stability.

Apply the Word Pray with Us What’s true for God’s people of old is true for God’s Will you join us in praying people today. Churches that consistently refuse to heed for Dr. Thomas Shaw, Vice God’s word should not be surprised when turmoil and President of Student Services? Please ask the Lord to equip chaos seem to creep in. The question challenges us: him with all he needs to lead will people respond to the warning signs of the spiral- his various teams that work ing vortex before it’s too late? Pray today for Christ’s diligently to meet the needs of body at home and around the world, that He would Moody’s undergraduate and raise up godly leaders to guide His children into obe- seminary students. dience and the much-needed stability that comes with 24 • Today in the Word Thursday, Read: November 18

In prairie states like Kansas and “I am your servant and vassal (this word Nebraska, the terrain is so flat that one could also be “son”). Come up and can see far into the distance. Looking to save me” (v. 7). Ahaz then emptied the the west, an approaching thunderstorm temple’s treasuries in order to secure this can be seen miles away, long before it “salvation” from “Father” Assyria. The ever hits. Sunny skies might be enjoyed at ploy worked, but Ahaz’s actions clearly the moment, but the wise and observant indicated a rejection of the true God person will make preparations for the who saves. coming storm. Second, there was the Our passage today like- more serious problem wise gives us a glimpse I am your servant of worship. We are told of the coming storm for and vassal. Come earlier that Ahaz was southern Judah. In our last up and save me. not a godly king; he fol- chapter, two kings ruled lowed the ways of Israel, 2 Kings 16:7 Judah in relatively stability practiced idolatry, and for sixty-eight years. Now, “even sacrificed his son in with the rise of Ahaz, the fire” (vv. 3–4). Later, things take a turn for the worse, and the while in paying homage to impending danger for Judah can be seen Tiglath-Pileser, Ahaz encountered a new on the horizon. altar and immediately ordered one to be built back home. Upon his return, Ahaz First, there was a problem of leadership. employed even further temple remodel- Scripture tells us that the kings of Aram ing “in deference to the king of Assyria” and Israel marched against Judah. Aram (v. 18). While little explicit commentary had already captured the important town on these activities in the text, don’t forget of Elath, and now Jerusalem was under the earlier warning: Ahaz was “follow- siege. What did Ahaz do? Instead of ing the detestable ways of the nations the turning to God for help, Ahaz looked Lord had driven out before the Israelites” to the Assyrian king. Notice the lan- (v. 3). The storm was coming; would guage Ahaz used, typically employed to Judah heed the warning signs? describe Judah’s relationship with God:

Apply the Word Pray with Us Most of us would not fall into the extreme categories We are grateful for your of sin like Ahaz; after all, we might protest that we prayers for Counseling Ser- don’t practice child sacrifice today! But what of the vices: Stephen Brasel, Gayla Gates, and Holly Porter. subtler disobedience in today’s reading? Do we look Please ask the Lord to use to something other than God for comfort—a large bank these godly counselors to pro- account, “safe” neighborhoods and schools, or an in- vide His healing, encourage- surance policy? Certainly, God can use a variety of ment, and truth to students means to protect us, but when those earthly means be- who are hurting. come our only consolation, are we truly trusting God? Today in the Word • 25 Read: :1–23 Friday, November 19

In his 1905 work The Life of Reason, Second, Israel repeatedly and thoroughly Spanish-American philosopher and poet, rejected God’s commands. Although George Santayana, famously penned: God specifically warned about following “Progress, far from consisting in change, the practices of the nations in the land depends on retentiveness. . . . Those who (Deut. 7:1–5), Israel quickly fell into cannot remember the past are condemned pervasive idolatry. Their idolatry was to repeat it.” While Santayana was speak- a full-blown disobedience: worshiping ing about the progress of the human mind , Baal, and the starry host; as it matures and develops, offering child sacrifice; the quote is often used as and setting up altars an exhortation to take the throughout the land. study of history seriously. So the Lord was Scripture summarizes very angry with their fate: “They followed Santayana’s claims about Israel and removed worthless idols and them- the importance of the past them from his selves became worthless” ring true in 2 Kings 17 as presence. (v. 15). well. While the first six vers- es record the final end for 2 Kings 17:18 Finally, Israel ignored northern Israel, including God’s repeated pleas for its destruction and depor- repentance. Twice God tation, the more important lesson comes in mentioned His grace in sending proph- the next fourteen verses explaining Israel’s ets to call the people back to Himself demise. First, Israel did not remember its (vv. 13, 23). Yet Israel did not heed those past. This forgotten past included not only calls. All of Israel’s forgetting, rejecting, God’s grace in bringing them out of Egypt and ignoring did one thing: it provoked (v. 7), but also the fate suffered by their God to anger and brought the most forefathers who refused God’s word and serious judgment of all, mentioned three remained stiff-necked (v. 14). Had Israel different times: the loss of God’s pres- recalled both what God had done for ence (vv. 18, 20, 23). The message is them and the warning of their predeces- profound: earthly suffering may be sors, perhaps they would not have been unpleasant, but the real disaster is losing doomed to repeat God’s discipline. God Himself.

Apply the Word Pray with Us We are called to the task of remembering. Remember Greg Thornton, Vice President the grace shown us in Christ. How has God shown that of Moody Publishers, wel- grace to you personally? Remember the commands laid comes your prayer support. Let’s ask the Lord to continue out in God’s Word. Are there areas in your life where using Moody Publishers to you need to repent and turn back to God? Remember produce resources that Israel’s own past that we may not be condemned to proclaim the gospel and a repeat it. Don’t let today’s history lesson go unheeded. biblical worldview in creative Renew your commitment to a life for Christ today, and and powerful ways. thank Him for the lessons of divine history. 26 • Today in the Word Read: 2 Kings 17:24–41 Saturday, November 20

A young man who had lived a fairly to teach them the rituals required by the secluded life was excited to be headed God of the land. They were taught how to to college. After a week, he wrote his worship the Lord, but continued worship- parents describing the most exciting ing other gods as well. Seemingly, what part of college life—the cafeteria! Hav- mattered to them was placating God so ing eaten the same limited meals over they could avoid trouble. How many of us and over again back home, the school treat our worship the same way? cafeteria options were overwhelming. Pizza, salad, soups, grilled Second, it is a do-it- chicken, Asian entrees, yourself religion. Notice burgers, fish, and a variety Do not forget the that the verb “to make” is of desserts. He could have covenant I have repeated six times in vers- anything he wanted; the made with you, es 29 through 31. Each choices seemed endless. and do not worship nation “made” its own god other gods. and set it up in its own high The choices of religion place (even using some of seemed endless in today’s 2 Kings 17:38 the high places previously reading as well. Having “made” by the Israelites). deported the northern kingdom of Israel, Isn’t this the way of so much religion? We and hoping to prohibit future revolts, the decide what we like and then we make king of Assyria repopulated Samaria God into that image. with foreigners, who of course brought a panoply of religious options. Only one Third, it is a syncretistic religion, one problem: this was not the worship God that combines truth with falsehood. The required. The entirety of today’s passage problem was not a failure to worship explores what faulty religion looks like. God—it was a failure to worship Him alone. Verses 29 through 33 describe First, it is a placating religion. When their worship of the Lord and other gods, they first arrived, these foreigners “did but verse 34 tells us that, in fact, this was not worship the Lord” (v. 25), so God not true worship of God. True worship sent lions to torment them. In response, exclusively worships God alone. the people requested an Israelite priest

Apply the Word Pray with Us Most of us don’t practice overt worship of stone or Bill Bielawski who oversees wooden idols, but what about the subtler deviation Custodial Services on our of syncretistic or “combination” worship? This wor- Chicago campus requests your prayers for his team. ship is “God plus something else.” We pray and go David Applington, David to church, but also bow down to the idols of money, Boskovic, Ernest Brown, and public opinion, pleasure, and career ambition. Take a Dean Gentry assist day-to- moment today to list those things that compete for your day operations, providing our allegiance to God. Then ask God to help you put those staff and students with clean idols away and give your exclusive devotion to Him. facilities. Today in the Word • 27 Read: 2 Kings 18 Sunday, November 21

The Perils of Pauline (1914) was one of reviews: “He removed the high places, the most well-known suspense serials of smashed the sacred stones and cut down the silent film era. The main character, the Asherah poles” (v. 4). Moreover, Pauline, would find herself in a series Hezekiah “trusted in the Lord,” “held of life-threatening predicaments: tied to fast to the Lord,” and “did not cease to train tracks, caught in a burning house, follow him” (vv. 5–6). In turn, “the Lord strapped to a board approaching a buzz was with him” (v. 7) and gave him saw, or stranded on the side of a cliff. success in everything he did. That’s an In each episode, the au- impressive summary of a dience was left wonder- godly and faithful king. ing how Pauline would escape impending doom. How then can Then there’s the rest of the chapter. Sennach- the Lord deliver The writers of The erib’s armies arrived in Perils of Pauline could not Jerusalem from Jerusalem and sent a chill- have thought of a more my hand? ing message that went to suspenseful scene than 2 Kings 18:35 the heart: can you really our reading today, as the depend on your God? Assyrian army surrounded (The word depend, which Jerusalem and promised can also be translated as its defeat in graphic detail. By the end of “trust,” occurs seven times.) With an echo the 2 Kings 18, the question remains: can of the wicked serpent himself (cf. Genesis God be trusted to save, or not? 3), the messengers cast doubt on God’s promises, contradicted God’s word, lied Before providing the details of that about God’s purposes, promised a better predicament, Scripture first introduces life under their terms, and reminded them the new king of Judah, Hezekiah. The that no other gods have yet stopped the portrayal is a refreshingly rare com- Assyrians. Even the king’s men seemed mendation, for Hezekiah not only did right forlorn. So the chapter ends with the in God’s eyes, he was like David himself. questions hanging in the air: will Hezeki- Despite a slight stumble in faithfulness ah and the nation continue to trust God? (vv. 13–16), Hezekiah received rave Can He even be trusted?

Apply the Word Pray with Us Some of us may find our faith under attack. We look Continuing our prayers for around the world and see lying politicians re-elected, Custodial Services, let’s tyrannical dictators basking in power, dishonest busi- ask the Lord for His divine protection and safety in the ness people gaining wealth, and faithful Christians suf- lives of Paul Henle, Danny fering persecution. Many are the voices which call us to Hutcherson, Chau Lai, Tailor question: “Can God be trusted?” Sometimes it’s worth Nguyen, and John Pettett as sitting before God with our heavy hearts, asking Him to they carry out their duties increase our faith. Do that this Lord’s day, knowing that around the Institute. God hears us even in our darkest moments of doubt. 28 • Today in the Word Read: 2 Kings 19:1–19 Monday, November 22

This day marks the death in 1963 belief in God, but acting upon it when the of renowned Christian apologist stakes were highest. C. S. Lewis. In his work A Grief Observed, Lewis observed how suffering Notice the tension from what follows. can strengthen faith: “Your bid for God Isaiah sent a word of hope and or no God, for a good God or the Cosmic deliverance, but nothing changed in Sadist . . . will not be serious if nothing the external situation. Assyria remained much is staked on it. And you will never and their verbal abuse poured forth, discover how serious it reminding Judah (again) was until the stakes are that no god had yet raised horribly high. . . . Cast all your withstood the fearsome Nothing less will shake a anxiety on him Assyrian king. man . . . out of his merely because he cares verbal thinking and his In the face of such dire merely notional beliefs.” for you. circumstances, Hezekiah 1 Peter 5:7 again sought the Lord, The stakes couldn’t his prayer offering have been higher for instruction for us today. Hezekiah and company. Assyria stood at He began, not with his own anxieties, but the gate threatening Judah’s destruction with God, acclaiming Him as the true and mocking God as helpless deity. Creator, enthroned over all kingdoms Would Hezekiah everything on God, of the earth. Only then, and on the or would his profession of faith prove basis of who God is, did Hezekiah then empty? Observe Hezekiah’s response to call for God to hear and act. In the face the disheartening news: joining together of Assyria’s taunts, Hezekiah called his grief and his God, Hezekiah tore his upon God to defend His name “so that clothes (a symbol of grief) and went to all kingdoms on earth may know that the temple (the symbol of God’s pres- you alone, O Lord, are God” (v. 19). ence), and then sent messengers to Isaiah Perhaps the best prayers are simple: the prophet. Here is a man who offers remember who God is, admit our need of us a godly example, not only professing Him, and entreat Him to act.

Apply the Word Pray with Us Today’s passage shows us that the best prayers often Ask the Lord to bless Thomas start with our own helplessness, urging us to turn for Pizano, Jose Rivera, Dennis help to the God of all. Perhaps there is someone in Sanders, and Oakley Smith in Custodial Services for their your life—a neighbor, a co-worker, a family member, dedicated work and faithful or friend—who needs to hear this simple, yet pro- commitment to taking such found, message. Pray for a way today to encourage excellent care of Moody’s that person to turn his or her helplessness into a prayer buildings every day. in which they cast all their anxieties before the God who can indeed hear, see, and act (1 Peter 5:7). Today in the Word • 29 Tuesday, Read: 2 Kings 19:20–37 November 23

For several decades, E. F. Hutton & Co. Second, the king failed to realize the was one of the most well-respected finan- omniscience of God. God knew where cial firms in the United States. It was made was, where he went, and popular by its numerous television com- what he said. Third, Sennacherib failed mercials in which a room full of boisterous to account for the zeal of God. The gods people would suddenly quiet down when of the nations might sit idly by, but the someone would say, “My broker E. F. God of Israel would not stand for such Hutton says …” In the still of the room, the insolence. A little awareness on Sennach- commercials ended with the erib’s part would have words: “When E. F. Hutton eliminated his arrogance talks, people listen.” and brought him to re- I will defend this pentance before the living If people could learn about city and save it, for God. Instead, God prom- financial investments by my sake and for ised destruction: “The zeal listening when E. F. Hut- the sake of David of the Lord Almighty will ton talks, how much more my servant. accomplish this” (v. 31). could we learn by listening when God talks? Today’s 2 Kings 19:34 The second part of our reading is dominated by passage describes God’s God’s word through the word to Hezekiah. The prophet Isaiah, and provides important message is simple and counters His lessons for us all. In the first section, God people’s hopelessness: God does not rebuked the Assyrian king. The problem turn back on His people; He will deliver was not just Sennacherib’s mockery of and protect, and you will prosper once Judah, but his arrogance toward God again. “For my sake and for the sake of Himself, boasting of Assyria’s conquests. David my servant,” God would deliver His God corrected the Assyrian king by people (v. 34). That night God’s word noting his three-fold failure. proved true as 185,000 Assyrian soldiers were struck down by God’s hand, while First, Sennacherib failed to recognize the escaping Sennacherib met his own God’s sovereignty; it was God who raised end at the hands of his sons. When God up the Assyrians and gave them power. speaks, it happens!

Apply the Word Pray with Us Both challenge and encouragement are found in today’s Concluding our prayer focus reading. For those whose lives reflect hardness toward on Custodial Services, join God, His words urge an attitude of repentance and us in lifting up Francis Stuart, Cathy Sywulka, Do Tran, and humility: God is truly in control, and nothing escapes John Williams. May God His notice or His plans. Will you yield to Him today? For encourage their spirits as they those who feel hopeless in the face of an unjust world, serve our campus, ensuring a God’s word provides encouragement: God has not pleasant environment for stu- forgotten you or your plight; He is powerful to defend dents, guests, and employees. and deliver. Will you trust in His saving zeal today? 30 • Today in the Word Wednesday, Read: 2 Kings 20 November 24

We don’t know much about the life it was granted. Here we see a king who of William Hammond, an eighteenth- lived by faith, knew that prayers matter century hymnist. He was a well-educated, to God, and turned to Him in his greatest committed English Christian who loved need. We also see a God who hears our to write original hymns, many of them cries and delights to answer prayer. still sung in churches today. One such hymn speaks of our approach to God in But if the Hezekiah of verses 1 through 11 prayer, and the first stanza reads: “Lord lived by faith, the Hezekiah of verses 12 we come before Thee now through 19 lived by sight. / At Thy feet we humbly Messengers came from bow; / Oh, do not our suit I have heard your , and Hezekiah disdain! / Shall we seek prayer and seen showed off all his wealth, Thee, Lord, in vain?” likely hoping for an your tears; I will alliance against the If Hammond’s hymn were heal you. Assyrians. Just when around during Hezekiah’s 2 Kings 20:5 Hezekiah seemed flawless reign, one could bet that in his devotion to God, he the king would sing it from tried to gain a little extra the heart. Hezekiah was ill, and the initial help elsewhere. word from Isaiah was that the king would not recover. In response, Hezekiah turned God’s message of rebuke came through to the Lord in prayer, weeping bitterly, Isaiah, and His opinion on the matter seeking God’s favor. God’s response was is clear: you can’t serve two masters. immediate; no sooner had Isaiah left the Doing so will only result in the ultimate middle court than God sent him back with demise of your kingdom. The sad truth is a new word: “I have heard your prayer that Hezekiah was more faithful in times and seen your tears; I will heal you” of suffering and distress than in times of (v. 5); fifteen more years would be added health and blessing. How often do we act to his life. To make sure of God’s word, the same way? Hezekiah asked for a difficult sign, and

Apply the Word Pray with Us Today’s passage is a good reminder that we need to Dr. John Jelinek, Vice seek God in all times, both bad and good. William President and Dean of Moody Hammond’s hymn echoes this teaching in Scripture, Theological Seminary, would appreciate your prayers. reminding us that we do not seek the Lord in vain. See Under his direction, Moody if you can find Hammond’s full hymn online or in your provides seminary education church’s hymnal, and spend some time memorizing to hundreds of students. May the stanzas and reflecting on your own need to seek God continue to use Moody the Lord. Perhaps even learn the melody and teach it to equip men and women to to your friends or family. reach the world for Christ. Today in the Word • 31 Read: 2 Kings 21 Thursday, November 25

We have all seen idyllic portraits of the Manasseh was not only the most wicked supposed “First Thanksgiving” in 1621. king of Judah, he was more wicked than Pilgrims and Native Americans - pagan nations (see vv. 9, 11). ered together, feasting on the bounty of the land, forging alliances of peace, and Judah had a long history of disobedi- giving thanks for the blessings of life. ence (see v. 15), but Manasseh was the Yet, just a generation later colonists and final straw. The consequences were laid natives found themselves at war with each out in full detail: Judah would experience other. Many colonists and immense disaster. They Native Americans feared would be wiped out, for- each other, and tribe after Manasseh . . . has saken, handed over to their tribe would be forced from done more evil enemies, looted, and plun- their land through unjust dered. Scripture is clear: than the Amorites transactions, eventually all of this would happen relegated to impoverished . . . and has led “because they have done reservations in unwanted Judah into sin evil in my eyes” (v. 15). lands. How quickly the tide with his idols. In this bleak chapter, can turn! 2 Kings 21:11 there is an important With the rise of King lesson about the power of Manasseh, the tide turned quickly in legacies. On the one hand, Manasseh’s Judah as well. After 29 years under godly wickedness brought both Judah’s inevi- Hezekiah, Manasseh took the throne and table destruction and another generation plunged the land into incredible wicked- of wickedness in his son Amon. Our sin ness, reversing everything Hezekiah had rarely affects just ourselves, but almost done (cf. 2 Kings 18:3–8). He rebuilt the always has future repercussions. On the high places, re-introduced Baal and Ash- other hand, there is a glimmer of hope erah, worshiped the starry host, and even in verse 24. After Amon’s death, they practiced child sacrifice. Moreover, he made Josiah king. As we will see, not desecrated the temple, the place where only would he preserve the promised line Scripture twice reminds us that God had of David, his godly heart would bring promised to place His very presence. important healing to the people.

Apply the Word Pray with Us As you celebrate Thanksgiving, consider the legacies Since today is Thanksgiv- bestowed on you by forebears and those you will be- ing Day, let’s thank the Lord stow on future generations. For all the blessings you for the many blessings in our lives, remembering that have received because of the faithfulness of previous “every good and perfect gift generations, give public thanks today, naming those is from above, coming down blessings and those faithful individuals. As you ponder from the Father of the heav- the kind of legacy you are leaving, ask God’s forgive- enly lights” (James 1:17). ness for poor examples and His wisdom and strength to be a godly influence on those around you. 32 • Today in the Word Read: 2 Kings 22 Friday, November 26

Of all the responsibilities and powers The book was taken to King Josiah and entrusted to U.S. state governors, the read to him. Then came Josiah’s stirring authority to issue reprieves is one of the response. Realizing that “our fathers weightiest. Convicted inmates on death have not obeyed the words of this book” row may appeal to the governor for a (v. 13), Josiah tore his robes in grief and delay of execution while further evidence immediately sent messengers to inquire is examined, or even for a full prison of the Lord. Struck with repentance and release under certain circumstances. humility, Josiah moved to action. Oh At those moments, that that we would respond to single elected official God’s word with such zeal holds the power of life Because your heart and sincerity—not just and death. Granting a was responsive hearing God’s word, but reprieve means life; deny- taking it to heart, grieving and you humbled ing it means death. over our failure to obey, yourself before the and seeking from the Lord While most gubernatorial Lord . . . I have what to do. reprieves are issued on the heard you. basis of legal evidence, Finally, there was God’s 2 Kings 22:19 today’s passage shows response, which included us a divine reprieve, this both judgment and mercy. one on the basis of the spiritual evidence On the one hand, the promised judgment of humility. We’ve just surveyed fifty- over disobedience would come; Judah seven years of wicked leadership under could not escape the consequence of Manasseh and Amon, but now a com- generations of disobedience. But there plete change: Josiah. Messengers were was also mercy: “Because your heart sent to the temple on financial business, was responsive and you humbled your- but the priest “found the Book of self before the Lord . . . I have heard the Law in the temple of the Lord” (v. 8). you” (v. 19). Judgment would come, but We’re not told where it had been, but it Josiah received a reprieve. He would die was likely pushed aside during the Law- in peace. This is so often the way of God, less reign of Manasseh. to offer mercy and forgiveness in the face of repentance and humility?

Apply the Word Pray with Us This teaches us the power and importance of humbly Donor Resource Manage- responding to God’s word, even when it points out our ment welcomes your prayers sin. The pain of facing our sin with repentance will al- today. Let’s ask God to give continued wisdom and focus ways be met with the grace and mercy of a forgiving to Edgardo Camacho, Sha- God. Attitudes of humility and repentance cannot sim- ron Cluff, Norma DeJesus, ply be conjured up like magic. Pray for the Holy Spirit and Patricia Fletcher as they to soften your heart, making the words of Bob Pierce, communicate with friends of founder of World Vision, your prayer: “Let my heart the Institute who financially be broken with the things that break the heart of God.” support Moody’s ministries. Today in the Word • 33 Read: :1–30 Saturday, November 27

In the 2008 film Fireproof, Caleb Holt “removed,” “did away with,” “desecrat- slowly came to understand God’s inten- ed,” “burned,” “ground to powder,” tions in marriage by following a life-trans- “broke down,” “smashed,” “defiled,” forming forty-day relationship experiment and “slaughtered” the vestiges of pagan (the “Love Dare”) recommended by his fa- idolatry, their places of worship, and their ther. In one scene, Caleb came to see that priests. This was no half-hearted attempt; his addiction to Internet pornography was it was a full-blown destruction of sin that destroying his relationship with his wife. In violated their covenant with God. What response, Caleb destroyed a model of how we should the computer with a base- treat sin in our own lives. ball bat and left in its place a note for his wife: “I love Neither before nor Yet how do we reconcile you more.” after Josiah was this thorough-going reform there a king like and the pronouncement in That movie scene depicts him who turned to verses 26 and 27 that God the extreme reaction need- would nevertheless destroy the Lord as he did. ed against sin in our life. Judah? Perhaps the point Rather than simply push- 2 Kings 23:25 is to show us what true ing sin away, sometimes repentance looks like. God we need to take steps to had already declared that destroy it. Today’s reading illustrates this Judah’s punishment would come because destructive action. King Josiah called the of Manasseh’s sin, and Josiah knew that people together to hear God’s law and to pronouncement (22:16–20). Despite this, renew their covenant with Him. Both king Josiah pressed on in obedience, not in and people pledged “to follow the Lord order to manipulate God’s mercy, but and keep his commandments” (v. 3). because it was right in God’s eyes. This is the picture of one turned to the Lord with But there was more than verbal all his heart, soul and strength (v. 25). assent; 2 Kings 23 is a chapter of an as- And there is great comfort in knowing sault against sin. Consider the language that another King in David’s line whose used to describe the violence against own obedience to the Father did remove idolatry. At the king’s orders, the priests the penalty of our sin once for all!

Apply the Word Pray with Us What is your reaction to sin? Do you take steps to de- Continuing in prayer for Do- stroy its power, or do you only push it to the margins nor Resource Management, where it can soon drift back into a position of influence? lift up Brian Ixcaragua, David Kocourek, Dona Lorance, We should imitate Josiah’s active commitment to God and Amelia Mendez. May by destroying opportunities for sin in our life. Take time the Lord use them to provide for serious, prayerful reflection and respond to any con- excellent customer service to viction of the Holy Spirit. With God’s help in light of the many people they serve Christ’s work, commit to tangible, even life-changing, each day. actions to demolish sin’s power in your life. 34 • Today in the Word Read: 2 Kings 23:31–24:20a Sunday, November 28

The Christian season of Advent consists the eyes of the Lord.” Some were vassals of the four Sundays preceding Christmas of Egypt; others of Babylon. Some paid day, and today marks the first Sunday taxes to their oppressors, while others in Advent. For centuries Christians have experienced siege and exile from the noted a penitential season reflecting on land. Some were kings in their own right; the two “advents” or “comings” of Christ, others were mere puppets in the hands of His first at the Incarnation and His Second foreigners. No matter how you look at it, Coming in the future. Advent also brings the consequences of sin were always the an air of excitement as we same, leaving the land de- approach the joys and prived of its treasure and festivities of the Christmas It was because of people. Sin may promise celebration. the Lord’s anger excitement and fulfillment, that . . . in the end but it only delivers predict- As we begin this season he thrust them from able disappointment. of reflection and excited his presence. anticipation, we get some- Finally, today’s reading thing of a contrast from :20 reminds us of the reason today’s reading. The rapid for Judah’s downfall: the downward spiral of Judah is not the most egregious sin of its people. Scripture re- joyous reading. So much more time and peats this lesson again and again. Verses detail were spent on the previous godly 2 through 4 record that it all happened at leadership of Josiah and Hezekiah, but God’s command “because of the sins of here we are rushed through Judah’s Manasseh” (24:3b). Verse 13 reports that last twenty-two years and four kings. their destruction was in perfect fulfillment Perhaps that’s the point. Holiness and of God’s earlier word (see 21:10–15), obedience should be more exciting and and verse 20 again narrates that God capture more of our attention than the drab Himself was behind it all, to “thrust them dullness of sin and disobedience. from his presence.” The fall of Judah was severe, but it also demonstrated the trust- So we get the uninspiring, repetitive worthiness of God’s word. He promised report that Jehoahaz, , consequences for disobedience, and now Jehoiachin, and all “did evil in we see that word fulfilled.

Apply the Word Pray with Us God’s trustworthy word will always be fulfilled. As The Customer Service we begin the Advent season and reflect on Christ’s Center—Jens Douglas, promise to return one day, we can trust that word. Let Janet Giesler, and Bethany Grubb—would appreciate today’s reading challenge you to reject sin’s empty your prayer support today. promise of excitement and to use this Advent season As they take care of the vari- to prepare your heart for Christ’s coming. Use your ous phone calls they receive, corporate worship experience today to repent of your ask the Lord to fill them with sins, sing God’s praise, commit your day to His service peace and joy. and glory, and encourage others to do the same. Today in the Word • 35 Read: 2 Kings 24:20b–25:26 Monday, November 29

Johnny Cash, the renowned American Second, there was the loss of the country singer with that distinctive voice, city, Jerusalem. That fortified capital had a long and successful musical career. of Judah, God’s Zion, represented His But not all of Cash’s life was characterized protection and glory. The Psalms are by joy. In the early 1960s Cash started full of the praises of Zion’s strength and drinking heavily and became addicted to beauty (see Ps. 2:6; 48:2), but now drugs. As a result, his behavior became that city was destroyed. Its walls were increasingly erratic, his performances broken through, torn down, and burned. suffered, and his marriage The great city had been was being destroyed. By reduced to ruins. 1967, his life out of con- Godly sorrow trol, Cash crawled deep brings repentance Third, there was a loss into Nickajack cave in that leads to of temple, the place of Tennessee hoping to die. salvation and worship and of God’s He had hit rock bottom. leaves no regret, presence. Not content but worldly sorrow simply to capture the Today’s reading is Judah’s city, the Babylonian version of hitting rock bot- brings death. king burned the temple tom, and it’s clear that the 2 Corinthians 7:10 to the ground. Later, his writer wants to emphasize commander removed the the sadness and loss Judah experienced. articles from the temple, piece by piece. First, there was the loss of land. Verse The bronze pillars, the bronze Sea, the 11 reports that “Nebuzaradan the com- pots, shovels, wick trimmers, dishes— mander of the guard carried into exile all were removed from the temple and the people.” The land was now gone, taken to Babylon. and the people were forced to live in a foreign land. In many ways, is Why dwell on such loss and summed up with these simple words: “So sadness? Perhaps because often the Judah went into captivity, away from her realization of our loss prompts us to land” (v. 21). That promised land of milk return to God. Sadness can evoke our and honey, that land of freedom from the repentance (2 Cor. 7:10–11). slavery of Egypt, was now taken away.

Apply the Word Pray with Us You may know someone who has hit rock bottom, and Continuing our prayers for like the writer of today’s passage, you feel the sorrow Customer Service Center, let’s and see the consequences of their sinful choices. You request that Sarah LaVallee, Ashley Fuller, and Adam can pray that God will use the loss and sadness in Reece would be a consistent order to bring about true repentance. Only when source of spiritual encourage- we first see our own misery can we long for ment to the men and women redemption from it. Our God remains a God of they speak with. compassion, forgiveness, mercy, and love.

36 • Today in the Word Read: 2 Kings 25:27–30 Tuesday, November 30

As Johnny Cash lay in the dark, waiting to of Judah, was released from prison. die deep inside Nickajack cave, a strange The Babylonian king, Scripture says, sensation overcame him. With a sense of “spoke kindly to him and gave him a clarity and peace, he began to think about seat of honor” in Babylon (v. 28). his life, his decisions, and God’s presence Jehoiachin was permitted a place at with him there. With a flicker of hope, the king’s table where he ate well “for but surrounded by pitch blackness, Cash the rest of his life” (v. 29). Moreover, began to crawl. After a time, he felt a Jehoiachin was given a regular allow- faint breeze on his back, ance to support himself and Cash followed it and his family. until he eventually made his So Jehoiachin put way out. Realizing God’s aside his prison In the face of the hand in his life, Cash later utter darkness of 2 Kings entered rehab and recom- clothes and for the 25:1–26, we get not a mitted his life to God. rest of his life ate floodlight of promise, but regularly at the still a glimmer of hope. Today’s reading is some- king’s table. Perhaps the reader is thing like that faint breeze expected to remem- 2 Kings 25:29 of hope in an otherwise ber God’s everlasting dark landscape. We ended promises to Judah in yesterday with a bleak picture of loss and 2 Samuel 7:13–16 and 1 Kings 11:39. sadness for the nation of Judah: no land, Judah may have forgotten God, but God no city, and no temple. Some were killed had not forgotten His people. brutally, others taken into exile. And we were left wondering if Judah would ever Of course, it would still be another five be restored? Would it all be darkness centuries of ongoing oppression under from here on? Then we come to verses 27 foreign nations, but eventually, out of through 30 and there is a flicker of hope. that darkness, the Light of Christ would come (see Matt. 1:12–16). The book of A new king of Babylon took the throne 2 Kings ends with a glimpse of that coming and a change occurred. Jehoiachin, king glorious restoration.

Apply the Word Pray with Us The glimmer of hope in today’s passage finds its We trust that this month’s fulfillment in the coming of Christ. This is the season study of 2 Kings has encour- when we focus on preparing our hearts to celebrate aged you to continue seeking the Lord and turning away Christmas and preparing our lives for His Second from “the sin that so easily Coming. As His disciple, what lessons has God taught entangles” (Heb. 12:1). Let’s you this month? Jot down some of the things you ask the Lord to give us hearts learned about yourself or about God’s own character like His. through our study of 2 Kings. Then thank Him for His word to us and His unfailing promises. Today in the Word • 37 Continued from page 4 PLANNING FOR THE FUTURE sizes are scattered throughout the Bible’s pages. The fact that many of its books were prompted by specific occasions and The theological particular questions means that it is nec- tradition of the church essary to study the whole Bible to under- stand what it teaches about many topics. teaches us to approach The cultural distance between the Bible’s original audience and today’s audience God’s Word with a means that the Bible must be interpreted before it can be applied. The Bible speaks spirit of humility. to all people in all cultures but not without some effort on our part. To understand its theological perspective on any topic, its statements must be analyzed, its truths col- More than anything else, theological re- lated, and its implications inferred. flection is a devotional discipline. Sound theology does not dwell on obscure points Theological reflection is also a corporate of doctrine which have little significance discipline because it draws on the wis- for the life of the church. Nor is its goal dom of the whole church. This does not to spark controversy. The aim of theologi- mean that the consensus of the church cal reflection is to move us to worship and guarantees infallibility on any particular obedience. Good theology kindles awe. issue. The church as a whole can err in It gives us a greater understanding of the its conclusions just as an individual Chris- nature of God and of His work. Theology tian can err. The authority of any theol- is also an important reference point for our ogy is dependent upon its agreement with devotion. It is the measure we use to evalu- God’s Word, not on the collective decision ate our feelings and our actions. Do they of the church. Nevertheless, there is great correspond with the truth about God? value in listening to the result of thousands of years of thinking about the same ques- My goal in writing the Theology Matters tions that trouble us today. The theological column is to offer a theological perspective tradition of the church teaches us to ap- on the theme of the month. I do not try to proach God’s Word with a spirit of hu- provide an exhaustive treatment but hope mility. The church’s collective voice is not to whet your appetite so that you will be always harmonious in its theological as- stimulated to probe more deeply on your sertions. These serious differences testify to own. Theology isn’t just for theologians. the complexity of God’s Word. The pages The task of theological reflection is the of Scripture “contain some things that are privilege and responsibility of all believers. hard to understand” (2 Pet. 3:15). They re- mind us that we need the help of the Holy Spirit to do the work of theology.

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